FLUSHING, N.Y. -- The New York Mets today named David Newman to the newly-created position of Senior Vice President, Marketing and Communications. The announcement was made by Jeff Wilpon, the Mets' COO. Newman will join the Mets next month from the United States Tennis Association, where he was Managing Director, Marketing & Communications. He will report to Dave Howard, Executive Vice President, Business Operations.

"We are excited to have David join us in this newly created position," said Howard. "David has extensive experience in marketing and business communications for first-rate sports and media entertainment organizations. His background will help our organization maximize the exciting opportunities presented by an up-and-coming team with a new regional sports network partner and a new stadium on the immediate horizon."

Newman will be responsible for the strategic development and management of the Mets' branding, image-building, marketing and business communications initiatives to drive and support ticket sales, sponsorship activation, and fan value -- including advertising, promotion, advanced media, publishing, research, broadcasting, events, and in-game entertainment.

"The Mets as a young and competitive club, and as a brand, are on the rise -- with a new network partner and stadium on deck," said Newman. "Joining the team at this juncture is truly a once-in-lifetime opportunity to play a role in diversifying and growing the connection of the Mets to current fans, new fans and partners."

Newman was a key member of the US Open senior management team, leading the promotion and publicity effort that attracted 2.5 million fans to the National Tennis Center in the past four years, and earlier this month set a new attendance record as the highest annually attended event in sports.

Newman brings to the Mets more than 20 years of sports and entertainment marketing experience. Before moving to the USTA, he spent nearly nine seasons with NFL Properties, rising to the position of Vice President, Marketing & Events, where he oversaw the League's integrated strategic marketing initiatives involving sponsors, licensees, and retailers. Prior to joining the NFL in 1992, Newman held several marketing positions in seven years at MTV. Newman also has held production, public relations and promotions positions with Madison Square Garden Network and Ogilvy & Mather.

The Mets also announced today the promotions of two other senior executives.

David Cohen has been promoted to Executive Vice President & General Counsel. "David plays a vital role in legal, human resources and corporate governance issues at the Mets and related companies and on the new stadium project," said Wilpon. "He is a key member of senior management." Cohen had been Senior Vice President & General Counsel and has been with the Mets organization since 1995.

Paul Danforth has been promoted to Senior Vice President, Corporate Sales & Services. "Paul has proven himself to be an extraordinary corporate sales executive and an invaluable member of our team," said Howard, to whom Danforth has reported since 2001. Danforth had been Vice President, Corporate Sales & Services, and has also been with the organization since 1994.

This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.